Ottery Crickets Hockey Club held a very successful club day last weekend at their home ground at Colin Tooze Sports Centre,

Ottery Crickets' Hockey Club held a very successful club day last weekend at their home ground at Colin Tooze Sports Centre, Ottery St Mary.

It was very well attended, with approximately 70 players of various abilities and ages taking the opportunity to polish up on some rusty skills and give the legs a run out for the first time this season.

Hockey is a skilful, fast moving and highly competitive sport, with a wide appeal for all ages and Ottery Crickets run six teams - four men's and two ladies', as well as an occasional mixed side.

Last season there were some notable successes, the men's 1st team reaching the semi-final of the Devon Cup, men's 4th team gaining promotion to SE District 1. The Ladies' 1st team were runners-up in Sedgemoor Div 1 and the Ladies' 2nd team gained their best ever league finish in Channel Div 2. The club is looking to build on these successes and, with the help of level 2 coach Laurence Cole, hope to be pushing for honours in all their respective leagues.

For several years, Crickets' junior section has enjoyed a very strong reputation in the South West for its player development and competitive achievement. They start training once they reach school year 6 and then move on to play competitively in league competitions and tournaments at County level. Crickets' juniors have routinely earned representative honours at County and regional level, the older juniors also play a key role in the men's and ladies' teams, earning their places on merit right up to adult first team level.

Crickets recognise the key role juniors, coaches and umpires play in their future, which is why they will invest heavily in their training. This season they are working hard to achieve England Hockey Clubs First Accreditation for its junior section which they believe will bring real benefits to the rest of the club.

The club linked last season with Ottery Cricket Club, which enabled them to use the excellent post-match facilities at the Salston Field. Hockey club chairman Mark Moore believes that "the first season with the new venue went very well and it gave us a base to return to enjoy our excellent teas and post match beverage(s). The fact that the two clubs share a similar approach and that we are now working closely together can only be positive for sport in Ottery"

Preparation for the new season has started with adult training under way on Tuesday evenings - ladies 7.30pm to 8.30pm and men 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

Junior training will start on September 20 from 11am to 12pm

If you're new to the area, you're keen to dust off your stick or whistle after a break, or if you'd just like to see good quality, competitive hockey being played locally, check out the Crickets' website for details of club contacts, training and fixtures - www.otterycrickets.co.uk